U.S. lawmakers have called on Pakistan to oppose the military trials of civilians and to avoid conducting anti-democratic actions against the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).
U.S. legislators highlighted the political crisis in Pakistan and urged the newly convened Congress to address these crisis, during a Congressional briefing held on Capitol Hill.
The appeal was made marking PTI supporters’ first formal engagement with the new Congress. This session was backed by lawmakers from both the Democratic and Republican parties.
Representative Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), a prominent Muslim voice in Congress, expressed her unwavering support for the people of Pakistan.
“I stand with the Pakistani people as they endure the suppression of their rights to protest and vote,” she stated.
Rashida also criticized the U.S. government policies that back Pakistan’s “undemocratic actions,”. “We must demand the release of political detainees, including Imran Khan,” she added.
Congressman Greg Casar (D-TX) also stressed the importance of upholding peace, democracy, and human rights in Pakistan. He argued that U.S. taxpayers’ money should not be used to support authoritarian governments, likening the situation in Pakistan to similar alliances in Latin America.
Benjamin Linden from Amnesty International criticized the excessive force used against peaceful demonstrators of the PTI during the events of November 26 and 27, 2024.
“Amnesty International continues to demand a transparent investigation into these actions,” he said, urging the Pakistani government to protect the right to peaceful assembly without fear of violent reprisal.
Yumna Rizvi, a senior policy analyst at the Center for Victims of Torture pointed out that Pakistan’s government heavy-handed approach against opposition is eroding public trust.
The event briefly faced disruption when PML-N supporters attempted to raise slogans but were quickly removed by Capitol Hill police.
